To most vacationers, Hilton Head, South Carolina is a place to enjoy beautiful, sun-drenched beaches, do some power shopping or just take in the natural beauty along the South Carolina coast. But for the true wine aficionado, Hilton Head is a mecca of annual wine festivals and events.  There are wine dinners, tasting events, and education seminars - something for every level of wine enthusiasm.

One of Hilton Head's biggest tented wine events - actually, one of the largest on the east coast - is Wine Fest, which Hilton Head has hosted since 1985.  Attendees get to walk from tent to tent, savoring over 2,000 domestic and international wines, all while engaging in lively conversations with top wine experts.  After a few glasses of some full-bodied spirits, conversations tend to turn even livelier, if not downright intoxicating.  Among the popular competitions are the Best of Show Champagne, Best of Show Reds, Best of Show Desserts, and Best of Show Whites.  There are also wine dinners featuring delicious gourmet meals catered by some of Hilton Head's best restaurants.  The fest offers the chance for you to meet many wine producers and participate in an outdoor wine tasting and wine auction.  Other events, like wine seminars, will keep you equally entertained  and after all of the fun, you come away with a souvenir wine glass, as well.

The Island has its own winery called, appropriately enough, Island Winery, started by professional wine maker Dr. Georgene Mortimer.  The winery offers an array of specialty wines made with local fresh fruits as well as traditional whites and reds, all featuring their own unique labels.  Their dessert Praline Honey Wine, a mixture of Georgia Tupelo honey and infused with praline flavors, won a silver medal at the 2006 HHI International Competition.  As for their regular events, Monday through Thursday is Happy Hour, where you can get a healthy serving of wine and cheese.  Order from their award-winning wine list, or join their wine club where you receive three bottles of exclusively released labels four times a year.  The winery also offers a great setting to host fun wine tasting parties for groups of 20 to a 100 thirsty guests.  Party package options vary in prices but all offer samples from the winery's extensive list as well as complimentary glasses and discounted bottles.  Other events include a wine and seafood celebration in April where you can bottle your own Sauvignon Blanc with your own personal label. Their Cinco de Mayo celebration features margaritas with a Southwestern fare and on the 4th of July, stop in to savor their special wine flight featuring a red wine, white wine and blueberry wine, all of which will give you a patriotic buzz and make you want to salute something.

Local restaurants also feature wine tastings.  One in particular is Red Fish Restaurant, awarded Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator from 2003-2006. Red Fish offers an interesting competition that features a U.S. vs. The World wine tasting event.  You get to compare the finest U.S. wines with their international counterparts and decide whether the U.S. rules.  Appetizers are served as well, all for a fun, diplomatic event.  In November, the restaurant will feature a wine dinner by award winning chef Sean Walsh and a bodacious Bordeaux from the family vineyards of guest speaker, David Miner.  Throughout the year, the restaurant will feature more wine dinners, including a competition between wines from the Napa and Sonoma valleys.

For those looking for something headier - or at least with a head - the Island has a brewery that features their own home grown micro brews to go along with some good ole American fare, including burgers, steaks and seafood.  You can get a Pub Light with light to medium hops or a Summer Ale.  Or for something smoother, try their Old Duck Dark Porter, a traditional porter with a malty mix.

So, the next time you come to Hilton Head, be sure to savor more than just the sun and shopping.  There's a glass of full-bodied wine or full-headed beer just waiting for you!

This guide to Hilton Head was brought to you by Sharon Cullars.

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